The Riptide qualified for the regional championship by winning the Alaska State Cup last summer in Wasilla. Juneau defeated the Cook Inlet Soccer Club Velocity 2-1 on August 12 for the state title.

The Riptide begin play at 9 p.m. PST tonight against Real Colorado National, the Colorado state champs.

At 7 p.m. PST Tuesday, Juneau will face California South champs SD Surf White before closing out pool play at 9 p.m. PST Wednesday with a matchup against NM Rush Nike, the New Mexico state champs.

The top two teams from each of the four pools will advance to Friday's quarterfinals.

Results and schedules can be found online at the tournament's Web site, www.regioniv.com/regional07/boys/B17.htm.

The Far West champion will compete against three other regional winners for the national championship at the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championship Series on July 24-29 at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.